Publication Ethics

The Frontiers in Environmental Science and Sustainability journal upholds strict publication ethics to ensure the integrity, quality, and transparency of its research publications. Adhering to ethical guidelines is essential for maintaining trust among authors, reviewers, readers, and the wider scientific community.

Authors are expected to submit original, unpublished work and appropriately cite all sources used. Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously or republishing previously published work without proper acknowledgment constitutes unethical behavior and is strictly prohibited. Additionally, authors must ensure that their research complies with ethical standards, including obtaining necessary approvals for studies involving human or animal subjects or environmental impacts.

Reviewers play a critical role in upholding the ethical standards of the journal. They are tasked with evaluating manuscripts objectively, providing constructive feedback, and maintaining confidentiality throughout the review process. Reviewers must also disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might affect their ability to provide an impartial assessment of a manuscript.

Editors are responsible for ensuring fair and unbiased handling of all manuscripts. Decisions to accept or reject a manuscript are based solely on its academic merit, originality, and relevance to the journal’s scope, without regard to the authors’ race, gender, nationality, or political views. Editors are also expected to address any ethical concerns or allegations of misconduct, working in accordance with the guidelines set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

The journal has clear procedures for handling cases of ethical violations, such as plagiarism, data fabrication, or authorship disputes. Allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken, which may include rejecting the manuscript, retracting a published article, or notifying the authors’ institutions. Retraction notices or corrections are published to maintain the integrity of the academic record.

Transparency is a key component of the journal’s ethical framework. Authors are required to disclose any conflicts of interest and funding sources for their research. Likewise, the journal is committed to ensuring that all editorial and peer review processes are conducted transparently and with accountability.

For more detailed information about the publication ethics of the Frontiers in Environmental Science and Sustainability, it is advisable to consult the journal's official website or contact the editorial office directly. These resources provide comprehensive guidance on ethical responsibilities for authors, reviewers, and editors.